Letter: Veterans deserve more from us

Leaders from both parties have without a doubt made some major mistakes in our foreign policy over the past 64 years, dating back to the Korean War.

Iím sure many of us have heard the phrase, ďIf you donít remember the past youíre doomed to repeat it.Ē How evident that is now with what looks to be the fall of Iraq to the Jihadists whom it looks like are now poised to overtake that country? I also feel strongly itís going to happen in Afghanistan.

We sent thousands of men and women into combat since the end of World War II, only to see an end that did not result in total victory, but a ďpoliticalĒ compromise.

Whether you believe Korea, Vietnam, Iraq or Afghanistan was right or not, what a disservice and travesty it is when soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines are sent in to do a job, and the end result is for absolutely nothing when we donít remain there to preserve what they fought for.

Lives were changed forever: Flag-draped coffins, the loss of limbs, the breakup of marriages and families, emotional trauma and, worst of all, suicide.

To add insult to injury, we should not need veteransí organizations to help our disabled veterans and their families continue their lives. These people should be at the forefront of any type of health care this nation provides.

Those in this country who benefit from whatever subsidies they receive, and may deserve, would not do so without the sacrifices of all our nationís veterans.